The All Together for Spennymoor board was scheduled to discuss the progress of the Pride in Place programme, including updates on funding and submissions, as well as consider proposals for a Community Navigator post and the future vision for Spennymoor Town Hall. The meeting also included discussions on transport opportunities and the forward plan for the programme.

All Together for Spennymoor Programme Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the All Together for Spennymoor programme and its submission for Pride in Place funding. The board was set to receive an update on the progress of the programme, which is working towards a 4-year investment plan and a 10-year vision. This included confirmation that the programme's investment plan submission had been endorsed, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been received from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The MoU, signed and returned ahead of the deadline, indicated that funding was expected to be released before the end of April 2026, enabling the delivery of the first year of planned projects. The report highlighted ongoing technical officer and working group meetings focused on coordinating activities, cost assessments, and project prioritisation. A strategic partnership with the Youth Council was also being developed to strengthen youth participation. Community engagement was central to the design process, with plans for ongoing face-to-face events throughout the neighbourhood to gather feedback and strengthen dialogue. The board was recommended to approve the continued progression of the 4-year investment plan and 10-year vision.

Spennymoor Town Hall Vision

The meeting was scheduled to hear a detailed presentation on the vision for Spennymoor Town Hall, a heritage asset built in 1913. The presentation was expected to outline current challenges, including accessibility, visibility, outdated equipment, and health and safety issues. The vision included developing a vibrant arts centre, upgrading technical infrastructure, improving accessibility and visitor flow, and reconfiguring internal spaces. The future programme for the theatre was intended to appeal to all aspects of the community, with plans for phase one refurbishing the theatre and phase two reconfiguring the gallery and museum. The report indicated that completion of phase one would allow the Town Hall to generate income. Funding opportunities with the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) were being explored for phase two, with architects from Northumbria University providing pro bono services for the feasibility study. Discussions were anticipated regarding the disrepair of the technical suite and community feedback on the Town Hall's offerings. The estimated cost for phase one of the Town Hall's vision was in the ballpark of £100,000 to £150,000.

Spennymoor Community Navigator

A presentation was scheduled to provide an overview of a proposal to fund a Community Navigator post through the Pride in Place initiative. The role of this post would be to strengthen residents' engagement with partners, improve health and economic participation, foster community cohesion, and enhance awareness of existing support services in Spennymoor. The presentation was expected to detail the need and rationale for the post, what the Community Navigator would deliver in terms of outreach and personal support, and how it would contribute to skills and employment pathways. The expected outcomes for residents and the associated costs, including potential match funding, were also to be discussed. Concerns were raised about people not knowing what support was available, and the role of the Community Navigator was seen as a way to bridge this gap. The importance of transport links for employment was also highlighted, particularly for residents in outlying villages.

Transport Opportunities

The meeting was scheduled to include a detailed presentation on transport opportunities in Spennymoor. This would cover the existing situation, local priorities, major projects in development, and future transport prospects. Key points were expected to include identified issues with pedestrian access to the town centre from the A688, congestion at the Thinford and West area roundabouts, and opportunities for network connections. The presentation was also anticipated to cover the application of seed funding to leverage external funding from the North East Combined Authority (NECA) for transport projects, the refresh of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans, and opportunities for match funding. Investment proposals for the A688 corridor, strategic National Highway works, and potential extensions of the Metro to Washington were also on the agenda. Furthermore, proposals for new train stations at Ferryhill and Bowburn, and the extension of Stockton Town and Railway work northwards, were expected to be discussed.

PiPP Communication Discussion

A discussion was scheduled regarding PiPP (Pride in Place) communication. This item aimed to address how to improve communication and awareness of the programme and its initiatives across Spennymoor. The report indicated that a Community Development Fund event had highlighted that many people were not aware of ongoing activities, suggesting a need for more joined-up work. The discussion was expected to explore ways to enhance the offer around the town and address advertising issues faced by community groups.

Forward Plan and Next Steps

The board was scheduled to review the forward plan and next steps for the All Together for Spennymoor programme. This would involve ensuring that locally identified priorities remain integral to project development. An initial programme of community engagement feedback events was organised for March 2026, with further events planned throughout the year to maximise participation and ensure residents have ongoing opportunities to influence decision-making.

Any Other Business

Under Any Other Business, a Police, Crime and Justice Plan published by the Police Crime Commissioner was to be discussed. This included proposals for a Children and Young People's Police, Crime and Justice Plan, with consultation results from Spennymoor circulated to the board. The geographical breakdown of participation from outlying villages was also a point of interest.